We are leaders in cosmetic surgery, facial aesthetics, and medically supervised weight loss, serving the entire San Francisco Bay area. Whether you live in the Bay Area or are coming in from out of town, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have on your path to your new self. Book your cosmetic surgery intro call or Med Spa consultation today and take the first step towards realizing the look you’ve always wanted for yourself.
Dermabrasion
How Can I Reverse Bad Dermabrasion Results?
Thanks for your question. I'm sorry to hear about your problem. There are two difficult situations. First - acne scarring is an incredibly challenging problem. There is no technology that will fully correct deeper acne scarring. In addition, most of the treatments are based on "ablative" techniques (dermabrasion, laser). These treatments can cause significant problems in patients with darker skin. These problems can include hypo or hyper pigmentation. The best course of action is patients to allow the results a full year to heal. Then find a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist for specific advice on your situation.
Clinical Context
Skin needs time to remodel after ablative treatments like dermabrasion, which is why waiting about a year before judging results is standard practice. Pigment changes—both lightening and darkening—are more common in darker skin tones because these treatments affect the skin's melanin-producing cells. If texture or pigment problems remain after healing, a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist can assess whether further treatment may help, though full correction isn't always possible.
